Amman, March 4 (Petra) – Prime Minister Jafar Hassan reiterated on Wednesday that Jordan will not be a battleground for any party, and that the security and safety of the country and its people and national interests are above any other consideration.

"Jordan's sovereignty, the protection of its airspace and borders, and safeguarding its security and stability are constants that cannot be violated." he told lawmakers during a Lower House session.

He expressed confidence that the Jordan armed forces, the Royal Jordanian Air Force, and security services are capable of defending the country's security and stability and protecting Jordanians.

The Prime Minister said Iranian missile and drone attacks on Jordan and other brotherly Arab countries are "absolutely unacceptable and condemned" as they constitute a dangerous escalation aimed at expanding the war and pushing the region into a deeper conflict.

"The attacks came at a time we did our utmost, and will continue to do more to end this war, which we tried to avoid and to protect all the people of the region from its repercussions, and reach a radical solution that prevents its recurrence," he said.

"Regional crises and conflicts are not new to Jordan, and they will not deter us from fulfilling what is necessary and our duty towards our country and our citizens by all means," the Prime Minister pledged.

"We will proceed with unwavering resolve in implementing our national programs, projects, and plans without hesitation or postponement... with all our energies and capabilities, and this is what His Majesty the King always directs us to do," he added.

"Yesterday, I was in villages in Irbid and Ajloun, and I saw students in their classrooms, teachers in their schools, and industrialists and workers in their factories. I saw in them a strong desire and genuine determination to learn, build, develop, and contribute. This resolve is what galvanizes us to maintain the resilience of this country in the face of challenges and hardships," he said.

"Despite all that is happening around us, and our awareness of the gravity of the situation for the entire region, life must continue as normal in Jordan, with every effort being made to maintain public safety," He said.

"While the state's civil and military agencies are continuously assessing the level of risk and how to deal with it in various sectors, we are taking the necessary precautions for the safety of citizens in such circumstances," he added On economic security, the Prime Minister assured that the Kingdom's stocks of basic foodstuffs, supplies, and raw materials are secure and enough for several months, despite Iran's failed attempt to damage stocks in some of our silos through a cyberattack targeting the silos' temperature management system.

This attack was dealt with efficiently and without any damage, he added.

He also said the Kingdom's reserves of petroleum products and domestic gas are available in sufficient and secure quantities for the coming period, and that supply chains are operating smoothly, and the most suitable alternatives are identified as needed.

The local market is being supplied with the necessary quantities normally, according to clear plans and regular monitoring to ensure market stability and protect citizens' interests, he added.

Hassan pointed out that the national electricity generation system is based on diverse supply sources and operating options, as we receive liquefied natural gas (LNG) via a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Aqaba, and our power plants are ready to operate on alternative fuels when needed. This flexibility has enabled us to maintain an uninterrupted and stable electricity supply across the Kingdom. We are also highly prepared to carry out urgent repairs to the power grid should any damage occur, God forbid, he added.

"We face clear challenges in terms of a rising cost of electricity production due to the disruption of a major gas supply during this current period, which we hope it will not last longer. This is compounded by rapidly soaring global oil and gas prices, resulting from the Iranian regime's targeting of our brotherly Gulf Arab states and the deepening crisis.

"However, we are in a much better position today than we were in more difficult circumstances previously, thanks to the diversification of alternatives that we have implemented projects for over the past ten years. Our work continues to complete new strategic projects," he said Hassan said the crisis is posed to the entire region. However, Jordan today is stronger, more resilient, and better prepared to overcome challenges, "thanks to its wise Hashemite leadership, its institutions, its armed forces and security services, and its people who stand shoulder to shoulder in all circumstances." //Petra//SS